Quick connector with a replaceable restriction orifice

ABSTRACT

Female quick couplings have a housing defining an axial bore therethrough that has a frustum-shaped bore portion that defines a restriction orifice, a first slot transverse to the axial bore, an a first shoulder between the first slot and the restriction orifice, and a locking member slidingly received in the first slot. The frustum-shaped bore can have an upstream conical frustum and a downstream conical frustum mated at their respective smaller diameter. The upstream conical frustum has a largest diameter that is larger than a largest diameter of the downstream conical frustum. Engine systems incorporating the female quick coupling and female quick coupling kits are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/065,638, filed Oct. 8, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/912,154, filed Oct. 18, 2019, theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to fuel vapor purge systems, more particularly,to a quick connector meeting SAE J2044 requirements and having areplaceable or tunable restriction orifice for use in such systems.

BACKGROUND

Fuel vapor emission or purge control systems are implemented in internalcombustion engine systems to comply with environmental and safetyregulations. These systems prevent fuel vapor from escaping to theatmosphere, for example, by venting fuel vapors to a purge canisterwhich contains activated carbon. Under preselected engine conditions, apurge valve opens and vacuum from the intake manifold draws the vapor tothe engine's combustion chamber to be burned as part of the aggregatefuel-air mixture.

Another requirement of such systems is a leak-detection system. Variousleak detections systems have been implemented, for example, the systemsin U.S. Pat. No. 9,840,985. However, the presence of multiple quickconnectors provides multiple opportunities for leaks.

In the prior art system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , between the fuelfiller inlet 12 and the fuel tank 14 there are two quick connectors 16and a vapor “T” fitting with a restriction orifice 18. The vapor “T”connects the fuel filler inlet 12, the fuel tank 14, and the fuel line20. This configuration provides at least five potential leak paths. Thefuel line 20 leads to a fuel vapor canister 22 and then to the engine.The conduit between the fuel vapor canister 22 and the engine may bereferred to as a purge line 24.

There is a need to protect fuel systems from potential leak paths, inparticular by reducing the number of potential leak paths whileproviding a compact device that is tunable, especially during thetesting phase of development without a system or component part rebuild.

SUMMARY

In all aspects, female quick couplings are disclosed that have a housingdefining an axial bore having a first shoulder and a first slottransverse to the axial bore, a removable insert defining a restrictionorifice seated against the first shoulder within the axial bore, and alocking member slidingly received in the first receptacle. The removableinsert defines a restriction orifice having an upstream conical frustumand a downstream conical frustum mated at their respective smallerdiameter. The upstream conical frustum has a largest diametersubstantially similar to an internal diameter of the first sealingmember and the downstream conical frustum has a largest diametersubstantially similar to an internal diameter of the axial boreextending downstream of the first shoulder. The largest dimeter of theupstream conical frustum is larger than the largest diameter of thedownstream conical frustum. The upstream conical frustum and thedownstream conical frustum can be shaped according to a hyperbolicfunction.

In an example embodiment, the female quick coupling has, in order,seated upon the removable insert, a first sealing member, a spacer, asecond sealing member, and a lock washer. The axial bore has a dualstepped bore defining the first shoulder and a second shoulder, and thelock washer is seated against the second shoulder.

In all aspects, the removable insert defines a frustoconically-shapedbore defining the restriction orifice, wherein the removable insert isseatable against the first shoulder of the axial bore with either of afirst end face defining the restriction orifice or a second end facedefining the opening of the frustoconically-shaped bore is seatedagainst the first shoulder. The removable insert is dimensioned to beinserted into the axial bore from the input end.

In all aspects, the housing defines a second receptable transverse tothe axial bore and positioned proximate the first shoulder, and theremovable insert is a latchable plug defining the restriction orificeslidingly received in the second receptable with the restriction orificealigned with the axial bore.

In another aspect, a female quick coupling kit is disclosed that has ahousing defining an axial bore having a first shoulder and a latchingslot transverse to the axial bore, a plurality of removable inserts eachdefining a restriction orifice of a different dimension, a lockingmember slidingly receivable in the latching slot to lock a male fluidline in the axial bore of the housing. Each of the plurality ofremovable inserts is seatable against the first shoulder within theaxial bore;

In an example embodiment, the female quick coupling has, in order,seated upon the removable insert, a first sealing member, a spacer, asecond sealing member, and a lock washer. The axial bore has a dualstepped bore defining the first shoulder and a second shoulder, and thelock washer is seated against the second shoulder.

In all aspects, the removable insert is dimensioned to be inserted intothe axial bore from the input end. The housing defines a secondreceptable transverse to the axial bore and positioned proximate thefirst shoulder, and the removable insert is a latchable plug definingthe restriction orifice slidingly received in the second receptable withthe restriction orifice seated on the first shoulder. At least one ofthe plurality of inserts defines a frustoconically-shaped orifice thatis seatable against the first shoulder of the axial bore with either ofa first end face or a second end face seated against the first shoulderor at least one of the plurality of inserts defines a restrictionorifice having two conical frustums mated at their respective smallerdiameter.

In another aspect, a female quick coupling kit is disclosed that has aplurality of housings each defining an axial bore defining a restrictionorifice and a latching slot transverse to the axial bore, a lockingmember slidingly receivable in the latching slot of each of theplurality of housings to lock a male fluid line in the axial bore of thehousing. The female quick coupling can have, in order, seated juxtaposedto the restriction orifice, a first sealing member, a spacer, a secondsealing member, and a lock washer. Here, each of the plurality ofhousings are molded to include the restriction orifice.

In another aspect, fuel vapor purge systems are disclosed that have afuel tank in fluid communication with a fuel filler inlet, a purgecanister and an internal combustion engine, and any of the female quickcoupling disclosed herein in the fuel line between the fuel filler inletand the fuel tank. The system can have a purge cannister in fluidcommunication with the fuel tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fuel filler and vapor purge system engine schematicillustration of a prior art system.

FIG. 2 is a fuel filler and vapor purge system engine schematicillustration having the quick connector with a replaceable restrictionorifice.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a female quick couplingwith a replaceable restriction orifice.

FIG. 4 is an assembled, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the femalequick coupling of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of a replaceable restriction orificefor the female quick coupling of FIGS. 3 and 4 .

FIG. 6 is a side view of the collar connector of the embodiment of FIG.3 with the locking member in a starting position.

FIG. 7 is a second embodiment of a female quick coupling with areplaceable restriction orifice.

FIG. 8 is a third embodiment of a female quick coupling where thehousing includes a restriction orifice as a molded portion of the borethereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description will illustrate the generalprinciples of the invention, examples of which are additionallyillustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, likereference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

As used herein, “fluid” means any liquid, suspension, colloid, gas,plasma, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an engine system 10 a, which may bea vehicle engine system, which includes a quick connector 100 having afemale quick coupling 102, 102 a, or 102 b having a replaceablerestriction orifice according to any of the embodiments disclosedherein. The engine system 100 is configured for combusting fuel vapor 15from a fuel tank 14 which accumulates in at least one component thereofand includes a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine 30. The fueltank 14 holds fuel 17 to be supplied to the internal combustion engine30 and is operatively connected to an evaporative emissions controlsystem having a purge canister 22 adapted to collect fuel vapor emittedby the fuel tank 14 and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to theengine 30 through the purge line 24. In contrast to the prior art systemof FIG. 1 , between the fuel filler inlet 12 and the fuel tank 14 thereis one standard quick connector 16 and one quick connector having areplaceable restriction orifice 100, thereby reducing the potentialnumber of leak paths from five to two. The quick connector 100 connectsthe fuel filler inlet 12 to the conduit leading to the fuel tank and tothe fuel fill conduit 20.

The engine system may be an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR)system, a pressure integrity check system, or a make-up air system. Thequick connect however is not limited thereto and can be useful in anysystem requiring a restriction to flow of fluid therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 , the female quick coupling 102 has anelongate tubular housing 104 having an input end 106 shaped to receive amale coupling (not shown) having an exterior annular bead, wherein themale and female couplings form a quick connector, and a stem 108defining the opposing end. The stem 106 may include a retaining feature109, such as a plurality of annular protruding ribs shown in FIG. 3 forreceiving a hose or conduit securely thereover. The housing 104 definesan axial bore 116 having a dual stepped bore defining a first shoulder118 (FIG. 2 ) and a second shoulder 119 therein and, proximate the inputend 104, has a connector collar 110 defining a first slot 112 orientedtransverse to the axial bore 116.

The first slot 112 has a plurality of arm sockets 114. Arm sockets 114 aextends through the housing 104 and are both open at both ends, and armsockets 114 b extend into and terminate within the housing 104.

A locking member 120 cooperates with the housing 104 to fasten a malequick coupling within the connector collar 110, in particular thelocking member is slidingly receivable in the first slot 112 until itlocks therein using a set of elongate arms 122. The locking member 120has a cover portion 124 from which the set of elongate arms 122 protrudeand from which a set of shorter holding arms 126 protrude. In FIG. 3 ,the locking member 120 is in an unassembled position. In FIG. 6 , thelocking member 120 is in its assembled retracted, starting position, inwhich it is inserted into the slot 112 until the notches 128 on theradial exterior sides of the elongate arms 122 latch into the housing104. FIG. 4 shows the locking member 120 in the locking position inwhich it is fully inserted into the slot 112 and the cover portion 124forms a portion of the exterior surface of the collar portion 110.

Returning to FIGS. 3-5 , the housing 104 has seated within the axialbore a removable insert 130 defining a restriction orifice 132, which isseated against the first shoulder 118. And, seated upon the removableinsert 130, moving in order in the upstream direction is a first sealingmember 140, a spacer 142, a second sealing member 144, and a lock washer146. The sealing members may be O-rings, X-rings, and V-rings, but arenot limited thereto. The lock washer 146 has a structure that defines avoid 147 that matches the slot's configuration at the interior diameterof the axial bore 116 within the collar connector 110. The lock washer146 may have a snap-fit within the axial bore or may be press fit withinthe axial bore with an interference fit or other known secure fits. Thelock washer 146 is a removable member during the manufacturers testing,but is permanent once a restriction orifice 132 size has been determinedfor the female quick coupling 102. The downstream end of the lock washerdefines a neck 148 and a shoulder 149. The shoulder 149 seats againstthe second shoulder 118 of the axial bore 116 as shown in FIG. 4 .

Turning now to FIG. 4 , the removable insert 130 defining therestriction orifice 132 may have any size orifice opening required for apreselected application. The female quick coupling 102 can be part of akit that has a plurality of removable inserts 130 that each define anorifice opening 134 of a different size and/or differently angledfrustums terminating at the orifice opening 134. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , the removable insert 130 defines a restriction orifice 134having an upstream conical frustum 136 and a downstream conical frustum138 mated at their respective smallest diameters at the orifice opening134. The upstream conical frustum 136 has a largest diametersubstantially similar to an internal diameter of the first sealingmember 140 and the downstream conical frustum 138 has a largest diametersubstantially similar to an internal diameter of the axial bore 116extending downstream of the first shoulder 118. In one embodiment, thelargest dimeter of the upstream conical frustum 136 is larger than thelargest diameter of the downstream conical frustum 138. In anotherembodiment, the upstream conical frustum 136 and the downstream conicalfrustum 138 are shaped according to a hyperbolic function.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment for the removable insert130′ is shown. Here, the removable insert 130′ defines afrustoconically-shaped bore 133 defining the restriction orifice 134′,wherein the removable insert 130′ is seatable against the first shoulder118 of the axial bore 116 with either of a first end face 139 a definingthe opening of the frustoconically-shaped bore is seated against thefirst shoulder or a second end face 139 b defining the restrictionorifice. The restriction orifice 134 is commonly circular, though can becreated in any shape that creates appropriate restriction at a givenspecification. Upstream and downstream bore shapes 136 or 138 are notlimited to frustoconical, and can be cylindrical or any other shape tomeet the desired restriction orifice 134 size, 136 and 138 do not haveto originate at a diameter substantially similar to the internaldiameter of the axial bore 116 as long as the desired restriction ismet.

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 6 , the set of elongate arms 122 are engaged inthe sockets 114 a in the locked position by a locking feature 152 (onlyshown in FIG. 6 ) that is receivable in the gap 125 defined between thefeet 123 of each elongate arm 122 and the radially inward protrudinglocking tabs 127 of each elongate arm. The slot 112 includes a set ofspacers 115 facing one another from opposite faces of the slot, whichseparate socket 114 a from 114b in each pair of sockets. As such, whenthe locking member 120 is inserted into the slot 112, the spacer 115separates each elongate arm 122 from its respective holding arm 126. Thelocking feature 152 of each socket 114 a is formed protruding in asurface 154 of the socket 112 that is most proximate the input end 106.When the foot 123 of each elongate arm 122 is inserted fully in the slot114 a, the gap 125 receives the locking feature 152 and each footprevents the locking member from being removable from the slot 112.

Turning to FIG. 6 , each socket 114 a is axially larger (see the axialdistance (D_(A))) than a thickness of the corresponding elongate arm122, in particular in the axial direction toward the stem 108. Eachelongate arm 122 is elastically flexible in the axial direction towardthe stem 108. As such, from the locked position, the elongate arms 122may be biased toward the stem 108 a clearance distance away from thelocking feature 152 enabling the locking member 120 to be returned tothe retracted, starting position shown in FIG. 6 . The biasing force maybe applied in the downstream direction at the foot 123 of each elongatearm 122, which protrude from the collar connector 110 in the lockedposition, or in the upstream direction against the underside 156 of thecover portion 124.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , a second embodiment for a female quickcoupling 102 a has a removable insert 130′ defining a restrictionorifice that is a latchable plug 160 defining a restriction orifice 162.The slot 112, locking member 120, first sealing member 140, spacer 142,second sealing member 144, and lock washer 146 are the same as those forthe first embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 . Here, the latchable plug 160 isslidingly receivable in a second slot 164 defined by the housing 104,which is oriented transverse to the axial bore 116 and is positionedproximate the first shoulder 118, such that the removable insert 160,when in a latched position, aligns the restriction orifice with theaxial bore and seats the downstream face of the body 180 against thefirst shoulder 118.

Similar to the locking member 120, the latchable plug 160 has a coverportion 174 from which a set of elongate arms 172 protrude and fromwhich a set of shorter holding arms 176 protrude. In addition, a body180 protrudes from the cover portion 174 at a position between the setof elongate arms 172. The body 180 defines the restriction orifice 162.The body 180 may have any of the frustoconical shaped bores or matingfrustum shaped bores described above. The set of elongate arms 122 eachdefine a gap 175 between a foot 172 thereof and a radially inwardprotruding tab 177 thereof for locking to a locking feature of the slot164 in the same manner described above for the locking member 120 andthe first slot 112. The body 180 does not extend beyond the protrudingtabs 177, so as not to interfere with the mating thereof with thelocking feature of the second slot 164. The second slot 164 is generallythe same at the first slot, but of smaller dimensions.

In FIG. 7 , the latchable plug 160 is in an unassembled position, but ithas an assembled retracted, starting position, in which it is insertedinto the slot 164 until the notches 178 on the radial exterior sides ofthe elongate arms 174 latch into the housing 104 and a locking positionin which it is fully inserted into the slot 164 in the same manner asthe locking member 120.

The female quick coupling 102 a can be part of a kit that has aplurality of removable inserts 130′ that each define an orifice opening162 of a different size and/or differently angled frustums terminatingat the orifice opening 162. The removable inserts 130′ are able to beremoved and replaced with one having a different size restrictionorifice during testing in the event the female quick coupling does notmeet a customer's pre-selected system requirements.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , a third embodiment for a female quick coupling102 b has a molded housing 104′ that defines a restriction orifice 192.The slot 112, locking member 120, first sealing member 140, spacer 142,second sealing member 144, and lock washer 146 are the same as those forthe first embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 . Here, the restriction orifice 192 isintegrally molded with the housing 104′. The restriction orifice 192 ispositioned at and immediately downstream, of the first shoulder 118. Thefirst sealing member 140 is seated against the first shoulder 118. Thehousing 104′ may have any of the frustoconical shaped bores or matingfrustum shaped bores described above.

The female quick coupling 102 b can be part of a kit that has aplurality of housings 104′ that each define an orifice opening 192 of adifferent size and/or differently angled frustums terminating at theorifice opening 162. The housing 104′ is able to be removed and replacedwith one having a different size restriction orifice during testing inthe event the female quick coupling does not meet a customer'spre-selected system requirements.

Advantages and/or benefits of the quick connector with a replaceable ortunable restriction orifice include the integration of the restrictionorifice into the quick connector for smaller packaging and a reductionof components. But even more importantly, the quick connector disclosedherein provides an easy means to change the orifice dimensions duringmanufacturing and, more specifically, during testing. The replaceableorifice is easily changed during testing without vehicle tear up orwaiting for a new part to be manufactured, which is considered a latestage engineering change that can cause significant delay.

It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited in theirapplication or use to the details of construction and arrangement ofparts and steps illustrated in the drawings and description. Features ofthe illustrative embodiments, constructions, and variants may beimplemented or incorporated in other embodiments, constructions,variants, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out invarious ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms andexpressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose ofdescribing the illustrative embodiments of the present invention for theconvenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limiting theinvention.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A female quick coupling comprising: a housingdefining an axial bore therethrough that has a frustum-shaped boreportion that has an upstream conical frustum and a downstream frustummated at their respective smaller diameters to define a restrictionorifice, a first slot transverse to the axial bore, and a first shoulderbetween the first slot and the restriction orifice; a spacer seatedagainst the first shoulder within the axial bore; and a locking memberslidingly received in the first slot, thereby locking the spacer in theaxial bore.
 2. The female quick coupling of claim 1, comprising asealing member and a lock washer seated on the spacer.
 3. The femalequick coupling of claim 2, wherein the axial bore has a dual steppedbore defining the first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein the lockwasher is seated against the second shoulder.
 4. The female quickcoupling of claim 1, wherein the upstream conical frustum has a largestdiameter substantially similar to an internal diameter of the firstsealing member and the downstream conical frustum has a largest diametersubstantially similar to an internal diameter of the axial boreextending downstream of the first shoulder.
 5. The female quick couplingof claim 4, wherein the largest diameter of the upstream conical frustumis larger than the largest diameter of the downstream conical frustum.6. The female quick coupling of claim 5, wherein the upstream conicalfrustum and the downstream conical frustum are shaped according to ahyperbolic function.
 7. A fuel vapor purge system comprising: a fueltank in fluid communication with a fuel filler inlet, a purge canisterand an internal combustion engine; and a female quick coupling of claim1 in the fuel line between the fuel filler inlet and the fuel tank. 8.The system of claim 7, comprising a purge cannister in fluidcommunication with the fuel tank.
 9. The female quick coupling of claim1, wherein the frustum-shaped bore portion is integral with the housing.10. The female quick coupling of claim 7, wherein the frustum-shapedbore portion is integral with the housing.
 11. A female quick couplingkit comprising: a plurality of housings each defining an axial boretherethrough that has a frustum-shaped bore portion that defines arestriction orifice, a first slot transverse to the axial bore, and afirst shoulder between the first slot and the restriction orifice,wherein each restriction orifice is of a different dimension relative toone another, and a first of the plurality of housings has a frustumshaped port portion that has an upstream conical frustum and adownstream frustum mated at their respective smaller diameters to definethe restriction orifice thereof; a spacer seatable in the axial bore ofany of the plurality of housings against the first shoulder; a sealingmember seatable in the axial bore of any of the plurality of housings;and a locking member slidingly receivable in the latching slot to lock amale fluid line in the axial bore of any of the housings.
 12. The femalequick coupling kit of claim 11, comprising, in order, seated upon thefirst shoulder, a first sealing member, a spacer, a second sealingmember, and a lock washer; wherein the axial bore has a dual steppedbore defining the first shoulder and a second shoulder, and the lockwasher is seated against the second shoulder.
 13. The female quickcoupling of claim 11, wherein the first of the plurality of housings hasa frustum shaped port portion that is integral with the housing.